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FEBRUAR Y/MARCH 2014 NO. 241 ILLUMINATING COUNTERTOPS 59 PRO TIPS FOR PERFECT PAINT JOBS 40 FEATURES MASTER CARPENTER 40 Installing Semicustom Cabinets How to level, scribe, and fasten cabinets without marring the perfect factory finish BY ISAAK MESTER 48 Blower-Door Testing Get ready: Airtightness requirements are part of the 2012 building and energy code BY LARRY ARMANDA 54 You Don’t Know Foam Whether you use a gun or a straw, there’s more to filling a gap than pulling a trigger BY JUSTIN FINK Tablet editions free to subscribers Our new digital editions include all of the magazine’s content, plus searchability and a host of interactive extras. Download the app at FineHomebuilding.com/apps. Access is free with your print subscription or FineHomebuilding.com online membership. 4 FINE HOMEBUILDING 59 Undercabinet Lighting Is Better Than Ever LEDs set a high bar for kitchenworkspace illumination BY DEBRA JUDGE SILBER PASSIVE HOUSE BUILD 64 Air-sealed Mudsill Assembly You only have one chance to get this critical detail perfect BY STEVE BACZEK 68 A Small Addition Faces a Tougher Energy Code Energy regs on airtightness, insulation, and mechanical systems mean big changes—even for small buildings BY JAMES DOMAN GUN OR STRAW? 54 72 Skillful Brushwork for Doors and Windows Follow these tips and techniques for a flawless finish BY PHILIP HANSELL COVER STORY 78 Half-Baths Full of Function Design these small spaces to be as practical as they are beautiful BY LYNN HOPKINS 72 SEMICUSTOM, TOTALLY PERFECT